Nick WagonerSep 10, 2026, 10:17 PM ET
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MELBOURNE, Australia -- San Francisco 49ers receiver De'Zhaun Stribling left Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams because of an ankle injury and did not return.

Stribling tweaked his left ankle earlier in the game but returned for the Niners' possession midway through the second quarter. On the third play of that drive, Stribling pulled up while running an inside breaking route and went down without contacting any defenders.

Fellow 49ers receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel stood nearby as Stribling received medical attention and was helped to the sideline. Soon after, a cart took Stribling to the locker room.

The 49ers ruled out Stribling's return a few minutes before halftime. He did not have a catch in his limited action as the 49ers went on to win 27-7.

Speaking after the win, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said that tests showed Stribling's Achilles is intact but that the team is unsure about the severity of the ankle injury, including whether it's a high sprain.

The Niners selected Stribling with the first pick of the second round (No. 33) in April's NFL draft. The former Ole Miss star had a strong training camp and earned a big role in the offense entering the season.

Stribling's debut for 49ers ends with ankle injury

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